AFRICA/MADAGASCAR – Uncertainty over Madagascar’s future after the departure of President Rajoelina

Antananarivo – “Who is currently governing Madagascar? This is the question the country’s inhabitants are asking themselves after the flight of President Andry Rajoelina,” Father Cosimo Alvati, a Salesian, who has lived and worked in Madagascar for many years, told Fides. Yesterday , the Head of State posted a message on his Facebook page in which he explained that he had left the country because he “was forced to find a safe place to protect my life.” Rajoelina, who reportedly left Madagascar on a French military plane, did not, however, announce his resignation.
“Listening to the entire speech, it seems to be classic Malagasy rhetoric,” commented Father Cosimo. “Rumors are circulating in the country about where Rajoelina has gone, but it is known that some of his staff have found refuge on the island of Mauritius.”
In a second message, also posted on his Facebook account today, October 14, Rajoelina announced that he had dissolved the National Assembly. “In fact,” Father Cosimo stated, “one possible way out of the institutional crisis is to submit a motion of no confidence against the president, which would force him to resign. However, according to the Constitution, a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required for a vote of no confidence.” With this step, Rajoelina appears to want to avoid Parliament voting on a submitted motion of no confidence. In the event of the president’s resignation, the Senate President would assume office on an interim basis, with the subsequent holding of new elections. “While the demonstrations of ‘Generation Z’ youth continue in May 13 Square in the capital, Antananarivo, control of the army, gendarmerie, and police has been taken over by General Demosthene Pikulas, with the African Union offering mediation. The Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar has likely also become involved in this effort,” the missionary concludes.

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